Must-have apps in Japan

Heading to Japan soon? Don't leave home without these apps downloaded to make your trip a bit easier! 

All of these except Payke are great to use internationally as well, so you can keep them on your phone for your next trip. 

Google Translate - This one is obvious, but it's an absolute must for quickly looking up words when you don't speak the local language. Google Lens is incredibly helpful, as it can translate photos or what's picked up through your camera (particularly useful when trying to navigate, read train signs or ingredients on labels). Google Translate also has the capability to translate spoken words in case you need help conversing in real time.

Personally, I can't read very much kanji, so the lens app has helped me out at train stations and reading restaurant menus. I recommend downloading Japanese (or the local language) directly to your phone at home or while you're connected to WiFi so you can translate offline in case you lose service.

Google Maps - If you have activities planned or are going to sightsee, you're going to need to navigate. Google Maps is my most trusted maps app for driving, taking local transit, or just walking! It's not perfect (especially in places like Venice where the buildings are packed so close together), but I've always gotten to where I need to go. 

Platform instruction example in blue

I love Google Maps in Japan, because I rely on the metro system 98% of the time and it tells me which specific platform to go to (which is a huge help if you're in a giant station, like Shibuya). Like Google Translate, I recommend downloading the city's map ahead of time so you can navigate offline or without using data. 

Payke - Even without the strong $USD conversion, I'm a shopping fiend in Japan and love to pick up unique things I can't get at home. Payke allows you to scan product barcodes with your phone's camera, and it translates the product information and ingredients for you. This is helpful so you know exactly what you're buying, and is important if you or a giftee have allergies. 

Payke also has coupons for local stores so you can get your shop on! This app is a must for your Mega Don Quijote trip ;)

GetYourGuide - This company is awesome for booking activities, experiences, tickets to attractions, and more. I tend to gravitate to booking with GetYourGuide since as an Amex Platinum cardmember, I get 10%-15% off my bookings! There is a great variety in what you can book on GetYourGuide, and I've reserved a photographer, Tokyo Disney tickets, and a car transfer from the airport to hotel for our upcoming Japan trip. 

I've also used GetYourGuide for booking a gondola ride in Venice, so it has great utility in other countries as well. 

Ubigi - Between looking up restaurants and your next stop, you're going to need data of some kind on your phone. I've used pocket wifi in Japan on a past trip, but I found it a hassle to turn on/off when I needed to use it, not to mention carry the device itself around with me. I've since switched to using an eSim on recent trips to Europe and Asia, and prefer it much more. 

The Ubigi app installs an eSim on your phone, which you can add data to. I prefer Ubigi over others since you can add data for pretty much any country, as opposed to installing a new sim for each destination. Plus, I just use my phone and its apps usual; a very unobtrusive experience. In Japan, Ubigi's sim connected to a local network for service, so I didn't experience slow speeds.

Note, I have an unlocked iPhone 14 Pro, which has dual sim capabilities. Your phone must be unlocked to be able to install an eSim. 

WhatsApp - Whatsapp is perfect for messaging family and friends internationally day-to-day, but it's also the go-to messaging app for tour guides to reach you. Get WhatsApp set up on your phone before you leave country, so that you can message loved ones on your travels and message with locals in your destination country. 

WhatsApp sends messages and calls over data/WiFi, so you will be able to communicate even if you don't have roaming set up on your cellular plan. When I've booked car transfers and tours, the guides have always reached out over WhatsApp; they try to find you there first to organize your meeting point. 

The only downside to all of these apps is that with lots of use, they'll eat through your phone battery. Don't forget to bring an external battery to recharge your phone so that you don't end up stranded somewhere. I really like Anker's Magsafe power packs since they attach to my phone case magnetically and charge wirelessly, no cords required.